I remember Claire’s birth so vividly. She came one day after her due date at sunrise, after I labored through the night. She brought so much peace to what was a unhappy delivery room (the doctor on-call that night was annoyed that I was laboring naturally with her; I was taking “too long” and not “handling things right.” Oh brother, I still remember thinking. Such a sound opinion from a man). And since her arrival was just two months after we had moved cross-country from Utah to Virginia – a land so far from family – my friends circled around me to celebrate Claire, as if they were my sisters, forging a love in my heart for them that still hasn’t left. Claire’s life has been one of pure bliss. She walks on clouds, it seems, tossing out rainbows and unicorns as she goes. But really, haha. 🙂 Anyone who has spent time with Claire in real life knows — she puts you at ease, makes you feel loved, and between her crazy creativity and sense of style and her princess voice, she makes you smile. How fitting, then, that Sister asked for a unicorn party. Yes, yes and yes, my darling girl…
The party was perfect — simple and sweet and SILLY. Did you catch that goofiness above? So five-years-old! And how about that flying unicorn up there?? The piñata wasn’t breaking, so Ryan took things into his own hands. He asked the kids to back up and then hurled it into the sky, giving it a chance to have a solid crash landing. It was hilarious to watch, and the kids thought it was amazing. Claire was thrilled about her gifts. She has the sweetest, sweetest friends. I asked her if she liked anything else about her party and she said, “Everything. Well, except for the food. It was gross. But don’t worry, Mom, the popcorn looked cute and you even did your best!!!” Hahah, classic Claire response! Straight-up honest with a cover-up layer of sweetness.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, darling Claire. Our family is beyond blessed by you. You are our perfect equalizer of this girl brigade: the steady to Olivia’s strength, the zen to Emmy’s crazy, and the solidarity to baby Chloe’s chill. And, just like your sisters, you bring all the joy to Mom and Dad.
LOVE YOU.
xo, your lucky Mama
CLAIRE IS BORN | CLAIRE IS ONE | CLAIRE IS TWO | CLAIRE IS THREE | CLAIRE IS FOUR
